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Budget Committee Meeting Minutes 12-08-09
TOWN OF FARMINGTON
BUDGET COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday – December 8, 2009
356 Main Street - Farmington, NH

Members Present:        Mike Morin, Jim Horgan, Chris Somma, Brian St.Onge, Ann Titus, Chris Biron, Arthur Capello and Cindy Snowdon.
Members Excused:        Mike Morin and Sam Cataldo
Selectmen's Rep:        Gail Ellis
School Board Rep:       Ken Dickie
Public Present: Jim O’Rourke, Carolyn Rioux, Michelle Langa, Joel Chagnon, Joe  Pitre and Charles Wiebel.

Vice-Chairman Brian St. Onge opened the meeting at 7:00pm.  

1. Superintendent Michelle Langa introduced the schools’ budget as very lean and explained that any increases are due to the fact that the District is in a state of correction action.  Carolyn Rioux, finance consultant, explained that the new computer program allows the budget sheets to be calculated in real time and the most significant increase factor was in health care cost with LGC having a 27.3% increase and an 8% increase in school care.  She then explained that the School Board is recommending a warrant article for $53,941 for non-contract employee raises.  Arthur asked if this figure includes benefits and Ms. Rioux replied yes.  She also explained the schools are looking at a 3.39% increase from 2009-2010 and a copy of the powerpoint presented tonight is available on the district website.

Gail asked if the schools have looked at other insurance quotes and Ms. Rioux replied that they have the most equitable programs with school care and LGC.  Arthur followed up by asking if they looked at different tiered plans within LGC for different copays and such and the answer was no.  Arthur followed up by stating he would like to see the school board look at other options for health care to see what the cost savings could be.

2. High School Budget Proposal: (FHS Principal Jim O’Rourke presented)
  • Mr. O’Rourke explained that line 10-1400-53901 (referees and umpires FHS) shows an increase of $720 for the JV football officials plus the official cost increase at $2 per game per official.
  • Arthur asked line 10-1400-53902 (misc. athletic events expense) is up $280 and Mr. O’Rourke explained he used the figure Mr. Lee had from last year’s budget.
  • Mr. O’Rourke explained that line 10-2225-56430-30-88 (virtual H.S) for $5500 is for computer program that allows 50 students to take online courses each year and pay for a teacher to run the program.  Brian asked how this is different than the virtual learning academy and Mr. O’Rourke explained that this program has daily times where a teacher is available online, is more direct instruction and has more course offerings.
  • Jim H. stated that he knows the School Board is looking to replace Social Studies books for $30,000 because they are 20 years outdated and then questioned what other books and materials will need to be replaced.  Mr. O’Rourke replied that he is working to put together a comprehensive list for the future.  Arthur asked if the schools have considered creating a CIP fund for textbook replacement and Ms. Langa replied they haven’t before but they do have a regular textbook replacement cycle.
  • Mr. O’Rourke explained that line 10-2400-58100-30-33 (Dues, NEASC) is a 10 year commitment to accreditation.  The cost is $2800 for the first two years, $4300 for the third year and then $15,000 for the fourth year because they visit the school to guide you through the restructuring.  It was discussed that being an accredited school is something the Town will benefit from; not only for our students but also the community because it will attract business.
  • Jim H. asked if truant officers need to be police officers and Ms. Langa replied they actually can’t be officers because police officers can not act as agents of the school because they are the ones who will prosecute the students.
  • Arthur questioned what line 10-2400-57340-30-38 (new/replacement comp. equip) is for at $3000.  Ms. Rioux explained it is a new computer for the HS secretary and two other computer replacements.
  • Mr. O’Rourke informed the Board that he is looking to hire a new teacher who is dual certified in math and science to help prepare students with fundamental math but also provide extra courses for kids on the college track.
  • Brian questioned why line 10-1100-56104-30-33 (supplies, English) is increased.  Mr. O’Rourke replied that historically this department has only received about $150 for supplies and they are running low and he increased this line to make the departments more equitable.
  • Brian asked what line 10-2130-56490-30-33 (med. Periodicals) is for.  Mr. O’Rourke replied that the nurse did an inventory of what she had for periodicals and compared to what she needed and this line will purchase the periodicals she requires.
Chris Biron left the meeting art 8:45pm.

3. Farmington Learning Academy (FLA) Budget Proposal: (Director Joel Chagnon presenting)
  • Joel explained he currently has 15 students enrolled at FLA.
  • Line 10-1290-53200-50-20 (contracted services) is for a counselor who comes in.  This is not a new service to the program but was in the District spec. ed. Budget last year under line 10-1200-53308-00-20.
  • Line 10-1290-56100-50-33 (Gen. supplies) is not really an increase but it was supposed to be $2000 this school year but there was an error during last year’s budget cycle that he pointed out and that was never corrected.
  • Joel explained that line 10-1290-5113-50-00 (salary, prog. Asst.) shows an increase because they have an additional assistant from Barrington whom the district gets reimbursed for on the revenue side.  This position is attached to the two students from Barrington who are tuitioned in and will cease to exist when those students are no longer enrolled at the FLA.
  • Line 10-1290-55310-50-00 (telephone) was moved out of the buildings and maintenance budget to reflect truer budgeting.
  • Arthur noted that the FLA has a budget of $160,000 and asked how much the District saves with this program since students are not being tuitioned our of District.  Ms. Langa replied the District save approximately $250,000.
Chris Somma motioned to adjourn, 2nd Arthur Capello.  Motion carried at 9:29pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Brandy Sanger
Recording Secretary